Popularly known as Luisma, Luis Manuel Villa Lopez has an interesting story to share about his journey from Barnet to Bangalore for the Indian Super League. Luisma was totally free when he got an offer to move to Bangaluru in order to sign the Benguluru FC for the India Super League. At first, he refused however he was propelled to accept the offer once he got to know about the complete details. It happened in the January 2019 when he had just concluded his contract with SD Ponferradina. His keen interest and love for the game finally persuaded him to move to India. The vacant spot for a foreign player in the list of the ‘The Blues’, the Benguluru team let Luisma get the golden chance of his life.
According to the rules of the competition, each team can have eight foreign players. Out of these, five were allowed to play on the pitch at a time. Hence Luisma got the No.9 in the team. However, he had keen desire to play in the mid-field. As luck would have it, Luisma still made his presence felt on the field and steal attention of all. In order to get another title for their team, Benguluru was required to win the match to be held with North-East United following their amazing win for the 18 times. The match got stuck between the two teams and Luisma was introduced on the pitch when 22 minutes were left to get through tie. Ultimately, they won the game by 3-0.
Another remarkable performance was on the way for Luisma when Bengaluru had to play against FC Goa on 17th March. The mid-fielder was introduced following 70 minutes of a goalless game and the team was successful in winning the game by 1-0 when the extra time was just going to finish. It came as the second honor for this Spanish player without making a goal or without offering any assistance in the game. So weird and wonderful was his career! This match was so exciting that most of the bettors betting through ‘Betway Online’ or similar sources held their breath till the last minute of the game.
As far as his earlier career is concerned, he worked his way to the top at the local club named Racing Santander. It is amazing to know that he made his debut into the La Liga just three weeks following his 18th birthday. By this time, he played as a replacement in the three seasons with Nou Camp victory by 4-0 against the Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona being one amongst them. He reached England in the year 2013 in the month of July for a test with Barnet. At that time, Champions League winner and former Dutch international Edgar Davids was managing the Barnet. Before entering into a contract with the Barnet, Luisma spent next three seasons amidst the four different clubs in the Segunda and then made his way to England. He starred playing for the Conference side under the contract as a regular starter. However, the scenario changed and his time on the pitch started reducing with replacement of the Davids by Martin Allen in January, following his resignation.
Luisma had a meeting with Martin at the end of the season wherein he was clearly told by the former that he was required to make at least 10 goals in the next season so that they may come out as champions. It was due to his average performance during that season with four goals and six assists as per Martin. This meeting encouraged Luisma to play hard and he eventually scored 13 goals that season. Ultimately, Barnet was able to grab the title and made its way to the Football League. However, Luisma chose to leave the team and return to Spain.
Recalling those intensely emotional moment, Luisma stated that it was a difficult but right decision for him as regretting over decisions should not be a choice for you. The three months spent by Luisma in Bangalore are unforgettable. He loved the relationship amidst the team mates and the amiable and light atmosphere created in the dressing room by the coach made him feel like being with a family. He has great praises for the Indian fans as well that prompted him to do better in life. He further recalls the final day of the match when fans for both the teams-Goa and Benguluru cheered the teams in a joyful and collaborative manner without having any negative feelings for anyone or any team.
Currently, Luisma is 30 and it is quite astonishing to know that he is without a club for the first time in his life. He is thinking to try for police force entrance exams if nothing materializes in the field of football. However, he is still hopeful to continue with his outstanding football career. He stills pays attention to his fitness and stamina as he is hopeful that a new opportunity may come his way unexpectedly. He is quite clear that he wants to continue playing football and enjoy the fun attainable from the game and the all the moments and other things that are associated with the game. In other words, he wishes to continue with his passion.
Lets’ hope that this Spanish football hero would write another wonderful chapter in his football career and keep his fans happy!
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